BLM Sites in Moab in October

Horse Thief Campground - BLM We loved it there...

r0n...

4runnerguy - Thanks for the map. Looks like they added a few more spots, but most of the spots I can remember are still open.

And yes, the you have the area near Arches correct. Didn't realize that was state land.

Sorry to see the area is become so popular. Luckily most of my camping will be on the other side of the river after I retire and get in that area, but did want to spend a few days on the Moab size. And don't worry, I always check on the status a couple of weeks before hand if not at the local office if I get near it.

kohldad wrote:
How far from Moab do you need to get before boondocking is allowed? Does this include the areas between the airport and Canyonlands?

I ask because the last time I was there a number of years ago, boondocking was allowed in most places around Canyonlands and on BLM land between Arches and 191. Was planning to go back there in a couple more years when I retired.

Here is a map that shows where you can and can't boondock and the restrictions that may apply.

They now restrict and/or prohibit dispersed camping in many areas around Moab. Much of the area you mention between the airport and Canyonlands is now restricted to designated sites and you must have a self contained toilet.

For the area between US 191 and Arches, perhaps you are referring to the area off the Willow Springs Road (Willow Flats Road), a dirt road that goes into Arches and meets the paved road at Balanced Rock. For the first couple of miles, that road crosses state lands (light blue on the map in the link) so isn't subject to the BLM regulations. Be warned, however, that the state is looking to impose more regulations and perhaps implement a fee structure for that overused area. Hadn't happened as of May when we were there this spring. But by the time you retire???

Found this on the BLM campgrounds: BLM Campgrounds around Moab

BLM does not allow any boondocking near Moab.

How far from Moab do you need to get before boondocking is allowed? Does this include the areas between the airport and Canyonlands?

I ask because the last time I was there a number of years ago, boondocking was allowed in most places around Canyonlands and on BLM land between Arches and 191. Was planning to go back there in a couple more years when I retired.

I agree with 4runn er suggestion of trying Kane Creek road CG's 1st. Last time we were there these sites weren't discovered yet. Some are very close to the Colorado river. The drive on out into the canyon bottom in a 4x4 or high clearance rig is really neat. Truck would probably do most of this trail when DRY, except the last 1 or 2 miles nearing 'Chicken Corners' area.

To be clear when I said Boondocking I meant dry camping in the BLM campgrounds. Thanks for the information. 4 runner thanks for the details and options.
Jesseannie

By mid-day on a Tuesday, Goose Island will more than likely be full, as it is often full by 8 or 9 in the morning. Up river on UT 128, Big Bend had some larger sites that might be available.

South of Moab, Kens Lake has a number of spots for larger rigs. Not much shade and many are very exposed when windy. Don't get your hopes up by the word "lake" as it can be pretty low in the fall. Advantage is proximity to town.

Sand Flats east above Moab is run by the county and has 30 sites for larger rigs. Popular with the mountain biking crowd.

A bit further afield is Horsethief CG on UT 313 on the road up to Dead Horse Point SP. Generally better spacing and privacy up there, plus a little cooler. More of the sites are capable of handling your size rig. Has been "discovered" so also gets full nowadays. Closer to Canyonlands than the others but further from Arches and Moab.

If all of the above are filled, try Ledges CG up Kane Creek Road past McDonalds. Last five miles of the road are graded gravel and can be quite washboard-y. But except on busy weekends, there are usually spots there.

BLM does not allow any boondocking near Moab. They have many dry campgrounds in the area.

We were in Moab from Oct 29 - Nov 8 last fall.

From what I saw almost all the BLM and open USFS campgrounds had plenty of open spaces EXCEPT those campgrounds directly on the Colorado River upstream from the highway crossing just north of Moab.

Those CG had some open smaller spaces where a 25 ft or less rig might fit. The larger spots were taken and one of the CG hosts told me that people with larger rigs were cruising the area at 7 am each day looking for a departing rig to take that spot.

I"m not sure the BLM runs "campgrounds". I'd post in Boondocking forum if that's what you're asking.